Press Releases

Producing More Perfect Light with Specialty Lenses

Aspherical lenses improve precision and intensity in the illumination of microscopes that use LED cold light sources for stereomicroscopes. Photo: SCHOTT

Ernst Abbe helped lay the theoretical foundation for stereo microscopes. Today, the international technology group SCHOTT, founded in part by Abbe, continues refining stereo microscope applications with aspherical lenses. Though unconventional, the lenses amplify LED cold light sources for stereo microscopes, giving experts in laboratories more precise lighting and imaging capabilities as they study three-dimensional microstructures.

SCHOTT’s cover lens, made of optical glass with aspheres, aids industries as diverse as medicine, materials science, and manufacturing. These aspherical lenses guarantee significantly higher light homogeneity and intensity because of the increased efficiency gained by coupling the light. In addition, it’s specifically adapted for LED lights so they fit perfectly on fiber optic light guides. As a result, laboratory technicians can view samples more clearly, as the improved lighting reveals hidden details that can only be seen when the best light is available.

“Stereo microscopes are the workhorses of the lab, but there are always opportunities for improvement,” said Tom Bender, Director of Sales – North America. “SCHOTT’s aspherical lenses are one such advancement. By optimizing LEDs, this small component has a big impact, improving the available light to give researchers a clearer and more accurate view of the specimens they’re examining.”

About SCHOTT
SCHOTT is a leading international technology group in the areas of specialty glass and glass-ceramics. The company has more than 130 years of outstanding development, materials and technology expertise and offers a broad portfolio of high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is an innovative enabler for many industries, including the home appliance, pharmaceutical, electronics, optics, automotive and aviation industries. SCHOTT strives to play an important part of everyone’s life and is committed to innovation and sustainable success. The group maintains a global presence with production sites and sales offices in 35 countries. With its workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, sales of $2.24 billion were generated in fiscal year 2014/2015.